Last Tuesday’s the Newton PTO Council and NPS Middle Schools hosted an informative forum on Smartphone use. If you missed the forum, the resource document distributed at the event can be found HERE.

A new IEP Form is coming this fall! The new statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) form was released earlier this year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Newton Public Schools will start using the new IEP form in September 2024. 

NPS will hold parent information sessions (link: https://meet.google.com/qef-rsxf-jpq) on the dates below. Mark your calendars!

Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 6:00 pm (Virtual)
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 10:00 am (Virtual)
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Monday, August 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm (Virtual)
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 4:00 pm (Virtual)
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm (at Newton North High School)

To learn more about the new IEP form, visit https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/improveiep/.

For NPS special education parent information, visit https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3887.

For Newton SEPAC information, visit https://newtonpac.org/.

Many thanks to the volunteers who have already stepped up to fill some of the open PTO committee positions for the 2024-25 school year.

We are still looking to fill many critical positions! In particular, we would like to identify volunteers for the following key roles so we can have a successful start to the 2024-25 school year:

• President/Co-President Lead and support the team, preside over PTO meetings, serve as primary contact and representative of the PTO
• Fundraising Committee Work with other volunteers to help determine the best focus for PTO fundraising events (e.g., annual appeal, socials, restaurant nights, online auction)
• Fall PTO Adult Social Co-Chair Help organize a casual social event highlighting PTO committees and events
• Bigelow Back to School Bash Help organize outdoor Fall family event at Bigelow with food truck(s) and music
• 6th Grade Parent/Caregiver Fall Potluck Help organize the 6th grade community “get to know you” event
• 8th Grade Activities Committee Organize transition activities for 8th grade class including fundraising, year-end celebrations, Moving On ceremony, etc

Volunteering with the PTO is a great way to enhance your student’s middle school experience while meeting other parents and building a stronger connection with the school.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about any of the opportunities above or any of the other PTO positions please email bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

A new IEP Form is coming this fall! The new statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) form was released earlier this year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Newton Public Schools will start using the new IEP form in September 2024. 

NPS will hold parent information sessions (link: https://meet.google.com/qef-rsxf-jpq) on the dates below. Mark your calendars!

Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 6:00 pm (Virtual)
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 10:00 am (Virtual)
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Monday, August 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm (Virtual)
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 4:00 pm (Virtual)
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm (at Newton North High School)

To learn more about the new IEP form, visit https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/improveiep/.

For NPS special education parent information, visit https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3887.

For Newton SEPAC information, visit https://newtonpac.org/.

There are a limited number of extra 2023-24 yearbooks for sale on a first come, first served basis. Yearbooks are $25 and can be purchased via cash or check only. Please make checks out to Bigelow Middle School.

If interested, please see Ms. Dalfior in Room 216.

Newton Schools Foundation Honor Thy Teacher program enables families to pay tribute to teachers and school staff by making a gift to Newton Schools Foundation in their name.  It’s a great way to show your appreciation as this school year comes to a close, while adhering to the Newton Public School’s teacher gift policy. 

A donation to Newton Schools Foundation will support grants that fund new approaches in the classroom, professional development for teachers, and programs that promote equity for all students.  To learn more about the programs NSF funds, see our Impact page. You can see a list of teachers honored to date HERE.

Find out more and donate on the NSF website, scan the QR code, or mail your donation to Newton Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 590020, Newton Centre, MA 02459.  (Please be sure to include the name(s) of your child(ren) and the names of the teacher(s) and/or staff you are honoring and their schools).

THANK YOU for your donation!

Many thanks to the volunteers who have already stepped up to fill some of the open PTO committee positions for the 2024-25 school year. There are still many open positions and opportunities and we are eager to involve more parents! In particular, we would like to identify volunteers for the following so we can hit the ground running next Fall:

• President/Co-President Lead and support the team, preside over PTO meetings, serve as primary contact and representative of the PTO
• Fundraising Committee Work with other volunteers to help determine the best focus for PTO fundraising events (e.g., annual appeal, socials, restaurant nights, online auction)
• Fall PTO Adult Social Co-Chair Help organize a casual social event highlighting PTO committees and events
• Bigelow Back to School Bash Help organize outdoor Fall family event at Bigelow with food truck(s) and music
• 6th Grade Parent/Caregiver Fall Potluck Help organize the 6th grade community “get to know you” event
• 8th Grade Activities Committee Organize transition activities for 8th grade class including fundraising, year-end celebrations, Moving On ceremony, etc

Volunteering with the PTO is a great way to enhance your student’s middle school experience while meeting other parents and building a stronger connection with the school.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about any of the opportunities above or any of the other PTO positions please email bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

Celebration week is next week! Be sure to check out the 8th Grade End-of-Year Activities page of the PTO website for final details on the planned activities.

Please note: Timing for the Level99 Field Trip on Tuesday, June 18th has been updated. Students will now return to Bigelow by 2:30pm for dismissal.

Additionally, we are looking for parent volunteers on Thursday, June 20th, from 12-2:30pm to help our 8th graders with their community service project at Bigelow.

If you are available/interested, please fill out this form and we’ll be in touch soon with more details!: https://forms.gle/k93XnCH3fxSnNrFm6

Are you grappling with whether to purchase a smartphone for your child? Are you finding yourself in battles with your child over screen time? Please join us as a community to discuss how we can work together to support each other as we help our children to be safe and kind in the digital age.

On June 18 the PTO Council for Newton Public Schools will be sponsoring a Parent Town Hall in the Brown Middle School auditorium titled, Smartphone Questions? You’re Not Alone! We encourage you to attend and hear about alternatives to smartphones as well as tips and tricks as parents. You will also hear from educators about how these devices impact daily life at school. None of us have all the answers, but together we can help and support each other as we navigate the challenges. This evening will be of particular help to families who are currently considering if they should purchase a smartphone for their children, but all are encouraged to attend! Please save the date!

The Newton Juneteenth Celebration returns to the Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St, Newton, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm!

This fun family event celebrates the national Juneteenth holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Americans. Bring your kids and parents to celebrate African-American heritage and culture through food, music, dance, and story-telling for a fantastic afternoon of fun!

The Myrtle Baptist Church Choir will take center stage for a headline performance. This year, we are featuring this historic choir to honor their 150-year anniversary! Listen to their amazing sound here.

Also, don’t miss…

• Delicious food truck flavors of Zaz and Gourmet Kreyol
• Free face painting
• Children’s reading with Myrtle’s youth pastor
• Children’s reading with Story Starters
• DJ Firestarta dance darty
• Shopping at more than 20 booths by local Black-owned businesses
• Live performance by Tempo Rhythm & Steel Band
• T-shirt making with Wee the People
• Creating with Adinkra
• Free Designer Juneteenth Water Bottle for the first 300 people to arrive!

View the Program of Events here

Get involved!

• Are you a Black-owned business or a community partner? Request a booth here or email questions to vendor@forj.org.
• Want to help with preparations beforehand and/or join our fun crew on the day of the event? Volunteer here.
• Help fund the festivities! Please click here to donate.
• Questions? Email juneteenth@forj.org.

We are grateful for generous sponsorship support from the Harmony Foundation, Village Bank, Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ) and Newton Cultural Council. The Newton Juneteenth Celebration is brought to you by the Juneteenth Celebration Steering Committee in partnership with the Newton Coalition of Black Residents, FORJ and FORJ Newton North High School.

More details available at https://www.facebook.com/FORJNewton/.